[stressfear]

From the Journal of Royce Hull, Soldier

Today I met a singularly unique man - Sammael, he was called. Dark skinned, and strange - he had the seeming of a wizard and the bearing of a fighting man, to say nothing of what breed he may be. Interesting, to say the least of him, and I freely admit to being charmed. I even allowed myself to be indebted to him through the use of his slave - the girl, Nadia.

Nadia was interesting herself. A different time, a different place, and sparks may have flown. But now, in Tyraturos...

I am a soldier and she a slave - we are bound the both of us, her in servitude and myself to an eventual, horribly violent death. Better to let her be, over all. Some situations are stupid on the face of them, and courting a slave is among the top contenders. Probably won't stop me, of course, but stupidity should be recognized, as the Warden used to say.

She made mention of seeing other Calimshan natives - such as herself - and I asked if Alai numbered among them. Apparently not, so the bastard eludes me still.

We rode south to Bezantur and raided the main Crypts. It was hardly difficult - a little darkness, a few shambling undead, nothing a stout blade and magic rod couldn't handle. Locked chests remain my bane.

Afterward, Sammael bid her stay in Bezantur, and I rode back alone, the worse for the lack of company. I returned to the citadel and turned over the bounty to the Sergeant. Tomorrow I ride to Amruthar and on to Nethjet, where more monsters, prestige, and blood await me.

Wish me luck, book I sometimes scribble in.